[madisgram]

this artcle at pc is very helpful. i know i went thru all the stages mentioned. i guess the hardest for me was precontemplation. i was rebelious-how dare u say i've got a drinking problem!! i'll show you!!! i remember even thinking if alcohol becomes a problem i'll quit. sort of bartering with what deep down i knew but persisted in ignoring it. the article is long but i feel anyone at this forum may benefit. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/stages-of-change/

Stages of Change

Almost 20 years ago, two well-known alcoholism researchers, Carlo C. DiClemente and J. O. Prochaska, introduced a five-stage model of change to help professionals understand their clients with addiction problems and motivate them to change. Their model is based not on abstract theories but on their personal observations of how people went about modifying problem behaviors such as smoking, overeating and problem drinking.
The six stages of the model are:

• precontemplation
• contemplation
• determination
• action
• maintenance
• termination

Understanding your readiness to change by being familiar with the six-stage model of change can help you choose treatments that are right for you. A treatment professional with the right training will understand where you are in terms of readiness to stop drinking and help you find and maintain the motivation to stop drinking.

[gma45]

Thanks for the article Madisgram, another great one! I have gone through all of these more than once. Stuck on contemplation seems to be one of my worst problems.

[Edge11]

...Hi madisgram...

...Like gma45...I've been through these numerous times...I'd have to say i'm in the action/proactive stage...Thats probably why I'm feeling so much better lately...Anyway Thanks for another great post...